An assessment category assigned to each record based on evaluating water quality information
using the assessment methodology decision rules. Includes:
Category 2: Attaining - Some of the pollutant standards are met. (Status key = 1, 12).
Category 3: Insufficient data to determine whether a standard is met. (Status key = 6, 13).
Category 3B: Insufficient Data, Potential concern - Some data indicate non-attainment of a criterion,
but data are insufficient to assign another category. (Status key = 2, 19).
Category 4: Water is water quality limited but a TMDL is not needed because:
4A: TMDL approved - TMDLs needed to attain applicable water quality standards
have been approved. (Status key = 4,14).
4B: Other pollution control requirements are expected to address all pollutants and will
attain water quality standards. (Status key = 15).
4C: Impairment is not caused by a pollutant (e.g., flow or lack of flow is not considered a
pollutant.) (Status key = 7,16).
Category 5: Water is water quality limited and a TMDL is needed, Section 303(d) list.
(Status key = 3, 17).
Note: Water quality limited waters are Status keys 4, 14, 15, 7, 16, 3 and 17.